Bus fares are expected to fluctuate in Nairobi when the rains begin to intensify, matatu operators plying Kibera-CBD route have said.
Following the light showers that were experienced in the city on Tuesday morning, there is a growing anxiety among travellers regarding bus fares.
Various matatu operators have confirmed that they may be forced to hike the fares in case of traffic jams that may be as a result of the rains.
Jack Opiyo, a No.8 matatu driver on Tuesday said the condition of traffic jams will determine the fare charges.
"I will have no option but to hike the fare if there is congestion on the roads because we use a lot of fuel during traffic jams unlike when the roads are clear," said Opiyo.
He reiterated that the El Nino rains may scare away the traffic police officers thus creating a mess on the roads.
"When it rains, most traffic police fail to show up for duty. Notorious drivers then take advantage of their absence by overlapping and blocking the road for others. This creates congestion which ultimately forces PSV operators to hike fares to compensate for the time lost and the fuel consumed,” he added.
However, the Kenya Bus Service operators have insisted that they may maintain their rates as normal despite the rains.
"I don't think there is need to hike fare because we shall still be serving the same passengers and it will be unfair to charge them more," said Dennis Onserio, a driver with KBS.
"The El Nino rains may be coming as predicted especially considering the weather that is currently experienced. We shall continue offering transport services to Kibera people as usual," he added.